Redskins plan to bring back LB Fletcher

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeMarch 12, 2013

Linebacker London Fletcher is 37 years old, underwent left ankle surgery last week, and is facing elbow surgery this month. Even so, the Washington Redskins are happy to invite him back for the 2013 season. "He would not be a guy that I would talk to about taking a pay cut," Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said Tuesday. "He is guy that wants to play next year and he is not thinking about retirement, he is full speed ahead. And when that guy is full speed ahead he normally plays at a very high level. "(I'm) excited that he is doing whatever he is doing to get himself ready. When he says he is going to get himself ready, he will be ready." Fletcher led the Redskins with 139 tackles last season and had five interceptions and three sacks from his middle linebacker spot. In a press conference, Shanahan updated the status of several other players: --Quarterback Robert Griffin III is making good progress in his recovery from knee surgery. "He's getting some great work in here, working out a couple times a day, about six hours a day, six, seven hours," Shanahan said. "The muscles are stronger than they anticipated, and he is doing everything he can to be ready for this season. Is he going to be ready? I have no idea. I'm sure keeping my fingers crossed and if work has anything to do with it, he probably will." --Tight end Fred Davis also is progressing after suffering a season-ending left Achilles tendon injury in Week 7 last season. Davis becomes a free agent Tuesday, one year after the team used the franchise tag on him. "He is working extremely hard doing everything we were hoping that he would be able to do at this time," Shanahan said. "He is not ready yet, but he will be ready for this season, I do not think there will be any setbacks, but I have not gotten a chance to see Fred run." --Outside linebacker Brian Orakpo is "doing great" in his recovery from a season-ending torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 2, Shanahan said. The coach said Orakpo is in Austin, Texas, is working out with linebacker Keenan Robinson, who landed on injured reserve in November, also due to a torn pectoral muscle. "Keenan is making some strides as well. He should be back ready to go with no setbacks," Shanahan said.